Steps 01-04
- Steps 01-04
- Steps 05-08
- Steps 09-12
- Steps 13-16
- Steps 17-20
Step One
Have you discussed what everyone should do in emergency situations? It is only by talking about it and planning together that all members of your household will know what to do. Some of the things to think about are:
- Work out where the safest places in the house are when different emergencies happen.
- What will you do if disaster strikes while members of your household are dispersed around the town at work, school or recreation?
- Decide who will collect children from school or care
Plan where you will meet together if you can't get home and where you will leave messages for each other if you have to go away from your home before you are all back together.
Step Two
Take some time to do a hazard check indoors at home. Tall and heavy furniture may topple or move during an earthquake. Items falling of high shelves may become dangerous missiles and precious ornaments could mall and be smashed.
Use screws and right angle brackets to fasten heavy furniture to the wall framing. Put heavy items on low shelves or in cupboards with secure door latches and attach precious objects to shelves with blu-tack or Velcro so they won't fall.
It won't take long and it won't cost much but it could save you and your possessions some damage in an earthquake.
Step Three
How well do you know your neighbours? Enough that know how you could help them and they could help you in a disaster? In major emergencies neighbours will need to help each other, so get to know yours and exchange information.
If you have neighbours who are elderly or have a disability, please check on them as soon as possible after an emergency event. If your area is to be evacuated, they may need assistance.
Find out if there is a neighbourhood Support Group in your area as these are a great way to develop a strong and caring neighbourhood network that can help provide mutual support following a disaster.
Step Four
If you had to evacuate your home tomorrow, would you know what to take with you? Remember that whatever you take, you may have to carry, so forget the telly. Furniture and appliances can be replaced - important family documents and photographs probably can't be. They are also easier to carry!
Take spare clothing and toiletries with you as well as any medications you rely on. A child's favourite toy may help to ease the distress of evacuation.
Secure your home as though you were going on holiday and turn off power, water and gas, but to indicate to emergency personnel that you have successfully evacuated, tear the rear cover off the phone book and put it in a window where it can be seen from the street.
To ensure you will take everything you want, make an evacuation reminder list and tape it to the civil defence page in your phone book.
Last reviewed: 25 Jul 2008 2:12pm
Phone us on 477 4000
